Shepherdstown, WV--The Shepherd University Foundation announces the creation of the Delta Sigma Pi, Epsilon Kappa Alumni Association Scholarship. The endowed fund will provide scholarshipawards to members of the school's Epsilon Kappa chapter of the Delta Sigma Pi business fraternity.

The Epsilon Kappa chapter was established on a trial basis because of skepticism from the international fraternity that an institution the size of Shepherd could sustain a chapter.

"We not only survived, we prospered," said Michael "Mickey" Johnson, chair of the Epsilon Kappa Alumni Association board.

Many Shepherd graduates have gone on to serve as regional directors, district directors, and provincial vice presidents for Delta Sigma Pi.

"It's a very unique organization," said Johnson. "All of us share the common bond of Delta Sig."

It was that bond that led Alumni Association members to establish the Delta Sigma Pi, Epsilon Kappa Alumni Association Scholarship, using funds from the sale of their property in Shepherdstown.

The organization's first house, located in what is now the commuter lot across from White Hall, was deemed the "Purple Palace." Johnson said the floors used to sag during weekly meetings with 38 brothers in attendance.

The Epsilon Kappa chapter and Alumni Association have grown since their beginnings, with 150 members attending the 50th anniversary celebration of its founding at Shepherd.

"This was a testament to the enduring friendships made through Delta Sigma Pi over the years," Johnson said. "I'm just the face of a great many men and women who have done their part to establish this fund."

For more information about establishing a fund through the Shepherd University Foundation, go to www.shepherd.edu/fndtnweb or contact Monica Lingenfelter at 304-876-5397 ormlingenf@shepherd.edu.